Protect Your Data: 3 Tips for the Mobile Attorney

By Maryam K. Ansari, Esq. on
April 10, 2012 5:04 AM

In a world that is becoming ever-so mobile, the business of law is moving
from the walnut-paneled window office to the Starbucks down the street. With
iPhones, Blackberries, netbooks and iPads, the confines of the office can seem
limiting.

But an on-the-go attorney faces another potentially debilitating limitation.
Attorneys must safeguard client data and protect confidentiality. In an
increasingly mobile world, how can mobile attorneys protect the confidentiality
of their data?

Here are three tips for the mobile attorney:

Use private connections . WiFi hotspots can be great, for
those looking to get some work done on-the-go. But the problem with public
hotspots is that security of your computer's data is compromised. For
starters, hackers
can create fake hotspots that resemble the actual hotspot. Secondly, data is
unsecured in public connections and if you have enabled file sharing, you're at
greater risk of jeopardizing the confidentiality of your clients' data. If you
absolutely must use your laptop in a public area, you can purchase your own private mobile hotspots from any cellular
retailer.

Encrypt your data. For non-technophiles, this sounds a lot
more complicated than it is. In reality, it's not rocket science. Windows
makes it possible to encrypt
your files at the click of a mouse. This is the first line of defense in
protecting a confidential file, especially if you plan on sending it via a WiFi
hotspot.

Protect your privacy. Keep others away from your accounts.
Don't give your password out and try to keep your password to a combination of
letters and numbers, preferably 10 digits or more. Keep an eye on your mobile
devices and try not to lose them. Don't let others on your mobile devices. And
if you are working in a public spot, work in a corner where you can keep
wandering eyes off your computer.

As an attorney, you have a strong duty of confidentiality towards your
client. Be responsible and take the necessary precautions.